The Health & Social Care Academy, based at the college's Warrington campus, was established as a result of £1million investment from Warrington’s Town Fund, alongside significant support from key partners. This included the council, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Chester, local employers, and voluntary sector organisations.

On Monday 3 October, the college officially opened the academy. Students looking to join the college to study a health care, social care or childcare subject can look forward to benefiting from this outstanding facility. A number of representatives and key partners attended the official ribbon cutting by MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, and joined the celebration of the amazing things to come.

Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “Warrington’s Town Deal has been an important programme of work for the town over the last few years and I’m really pleased to see the Health & Social Care Academy open.

“Schemes like the academy prove that when we work in partnership we can do great things. The academy is going to be a game-changer for Warrington and the future of our local health and social care workforce.”

The launch was a huge success, with guests touring the centre and hearing presentations from the Health & Social Care Academy Business Centre Manager, Amy Yorke, and chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, Dave Thompson, with whom the college has a strong partnership.

Guests also heard from Warrington & Vale Royal College student, Kelsey Siddall, who has seen real success during her time at the college. She delivered a heart-warming speech about her educational journey and how, with the support of the fantastic tutors and facilities at the college, she is pursuing her dream career in the health and social care sector.

For more information about the Health & Social Care Academy and to view the range of subjects on offer at Warrington & Vale Royal College, visit wvr.ac.uk.

If you’d like to see the Health & Social Care Academy for yourself, you can attend an upcoming open evening at the Warrington campus. These are being held on Tuesday 18 October, Wednesday 9 November, and next year on Tuesday 7 February. Visit: wvr.ac.uk/openevenings to register your place.